Lawn Fertilizer Spreaders

A necessary tool for applying fertilizers across a lawn in a uniform manner, fertilizer spreaders are widely used by lawn owners today. These spreaders prevent the formation of fertilizer clumps during the application. This is because the manner in which the fertilizers are spread, holds importance from the point of view of the proper growth of the lawn.

Lawn Fertilizer Spreaders

There are different types of lawn fertilizer spreaders available in the market. The difference between these fertilizers is based on factors such as the area of the lawn and the method of fertilizer application.

Broadcast Spreaders
It is used for lawns spread over a large area. The broadcast spreader is also known as the rotatory spreader, due to the disc it employs. The disc helps in spreading the fertilizer with the help of its spinning motion. During the process of distributing fertilizers, the matter falls on the disc and is then dispersed evenly across the lawn. One can control the amount of fertilizer that is spread through the broadcast spreader.

Drop Spreaders
These spreaders are more accurate in their distribution of fertilizers as compared to broadcast spreaders. These are used for fertilizing lawns that have a small area, generally less than 5,000 sq. feet. The container that holds the fertilizer, resembles a bucket and has wheels which enables us to move it around easily. One of the advantages of using drop spreaders is that they can be used in tight corners or in similar awkward positions of the lawn. The drop spreader is inexpensive as compared to other spreaders, which is an added advantage. Unlike broadcast spreaders, there is no wastage of fertilizers while using drop spreaders.

Centrifugal Spreaders
This type of spreader is similar to the drop spreader, except for the fact that the area covered by the centrifugal spreader is greater. The path in which the spreader distributes fertilizers is wider as compared to the drop spreader and is 8 inches in width. These spreaders are thus considered to be better than drop spreaders. However, while spreading fertilizers, it becomes difficult to keep them steady. Many of today's centrifugal spreaders come with a deflector installed. This makes it easy for the fertilizers to be applied along flowerbeds and sidewalks.

Aerator Spreader
The aerator spreader is a tool that combines the functionality of both the lawn spreader and the aerator. The spreader possesses tines which help it penetrate the soil surface to a depth of 2 inches, which is the right depth for placing nutrients. Since the fertilizer is applied in a 40 inch wide path by means of this spreader, it is possible to cover a large area. Assembling the aerator spreader though, is a tedious job. The capacity of the spreader to hold fertilizers, is around 100 lbs, and so it can be used for big lawns.

Top Behind Broadcast Spreader
This spreader can hold upto 80 lbs of fertilizers and is attached behind lawn tractors. The spreaders have a mechanism that helps control the rate of fertilizer application. The width of the path in which the fertilizers are applied is 10-12 feet. It enables the machine to cover an area of 25,000 sq. feet in one go. Thus, it is possible to overcome the problem of reloading the spreader frequently.

Calibration and Use of Lawn Fertilizer Spreaders

It is an important step in the process of using spreaders. Directions for the calibration of a lawn fertilizer spreader can be obtained from a nearby garden center. Although lawn spreaders are usually calibrated by the manufacturer, it is necessary to adjust every machine to the conditions in which it has to be used.

While using a lawn fertilizer, the peripheral area of the lawn should be covered in the beginning itself. The internal area should be fertilized by moving the spreader back and forth. This procedure helps cover the entire area properly. Care should be taken to use fertilizers that are safe and won't cause any harm even if consumed by pets.

If the above mentioned steps and procedures are followed properly, they can help lawn fertilizer spreaders give excellent results.